Prison For Vilas Co. Woman Sentenced For Heroin Death

A St. Germain woman has been sentenced to prison for her role in the December, 2012 heroin overdose death of 29 year old David Stahl near Rhinelander.

27 year old Jennifer Heiting admitted to having heroin shipped here for herself and friends. Stahl died at his home in the town of Crescent. The drugs were allegedly traced back to Heiting and co-defendant Richard Lewis of St. Germain.

Oneida County D.A. Michael Schiek said Heiting admitted she was an addict , but that didn't relieve her of responsibility in Stahl's death, even if he was using...

"..she brought drugs into the community for a substantial amount of time. They were very serious drugs, very addictive drugs, and that needs to be a factor...."

Defense attorney Alex Nocco said Heiting felt her arrest saved her life. She's been in jail for 415 days.

Heiting apologized to Stahl's father and her family saying drugs had ruined her life, but says she now sees a new life....

"....your Honor, I've had so many problems in my life because of addiction, but never before have I witnessed how ultimately devastating and life threatening it actually is...."

Judge Michael Bloom split the difference between defense and prosecution prison recommendations, sending Heiting to prison for four years. Richard Lewis will be sentenced on February 19.